The Pricey Switch 2: A Game-Changer for the Original Switch?

Nintendo's new console, the Switch 2, is priced at a staggering $449.99, raising eyebrows and concerns. With potential tariff increases looming, many are left questioning the wisdom of this hefty price tag. Interestingly, this high price could breathe new life into the original Switch's sales.

The original Nintendo Switch has already sold an impressive 150 million units, placing it as the third best-selling console ever. Only the Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2 surpass it, at 154 million and over 160 million units, respectively. Initially, it was believed that while the Switch might claim second place from the DS, the all-time crown would remain elusive. However, recent perspectives suggest a change.

The Numbers Speak: Will the Switch Surpass the DS?

Nintendo projected sales of 11 million Switch consoles for the past fiscal year, marking a steep 30% decline from the previous year. One would logically think this trend would worsen once the Switch 2 debuted. Yet, if Nintendo's forecast of 1.5 million Switch units sold in early 2025 holds true, the original model could hit 152 million lifetime sales in no time.

The Competitive Landscape: A New Price Framework

With the introduction of the Switch 2, the pricing dynamics of the Switch family of consoles have shifted dramatically. The Switch Lite remains a budget-friendly option at $199.99, while the original Switch and OLED models are priced at $299.99 and $349.99, respectively. The distinguishing factor is that the Switch 2's high price places it in direct competition with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, essentially creating a tiered structure that appeals to various demographics.

Notably, families and casual gamers, who typically buy Nintendo consoles, might skip the premium $449.99 Switch 2 in favor of older, more affordable models. With birthdays and holidays consistently rolling in, parents will likely gravitate towards lower-cost versions of the Switch, overlooking the relatively sparse new game releases when the console boasts an extensive library spanning eight years.

The Longevity of the Switch: Will It Survive the Switch 2 Era?

Despite the looming release of the Switch 2, it’s unlikely that Nintendo will reduce the price of the older models. Historically, the company has held firm on pricing, so expect the $199.99 Switch Lite to remain an attractive option for new gamers well into the future.

The key hurdle for Nintendo, however, lies in maintaining a strong game library. While the Switch's release schedule may slow as developers shift focus to newer hardware, two major upcoming titles, "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond" and "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" for the 2025 holiday season, could drive sales. Furthermore, announcements of 2026 titles like "Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream" indicate ongoing support for the system.

The Road Ahead: Can the Switch Erode PS2's Dominance?

Given current trends, there is a solid chance for the original Switch to sustain sales of 1-2 million consoles per quarter, especially around the holidays. Achieving those additional 8 million units needed to eclipse the PlayStation 2 seems feasible, echoing the PS2's remarkable sales longevity even after the introduction of the PS3.

While the pricing of the Switch 2 has drawn criticism, it underscores the remarkable legacy of the Switch. As one of gaming's all-time great consoles, it deserves a final victory lap and an opportunity to establish its place in history as the best-selling console of all time.